The sun is finally shining! We experienced a late-spring dreary week of weather last week. The tally is at 5-6 inches of rain in the last 3 weeks. Whew!

Our little rural area was far better off than those west of us. Our temperature stayed above freezing, so just 40mph blowing rain for 3 days. Did you see anything on the news about the blizzard in eastern Colorado and western Kansas? Photo credit to the story linked here at the Washington Post.

From the snow in the west to the beautiful sunshine that FINALLY peeked through… here comes

Project #1. Tetherball. I pulled this information from Simply Kierste Design. We have plenty of room in our yard for tetherball. I’m sure there will be tears when someone gets jacked in the face! That’s part of childhood. Learning to roll with it and making evasive maneuvers.

Project #2. Can you tell yet that we prefer to spend our summer outside? I bought this swing last summer and never hung it up due to the number of thunderstorms we experienced.  You can find the Swinging Monkey on Amazon. I had to purchase extra equipment to hang it. Again… still sitting in a box in the shed just waiting for the right tree branch and sunshine…

Activity #1. Swimming and swimming lessons. I’m a firm believer that either you know how to swim to save your life OR you keep your toes out of the water. Both kids have taken at least one session of lessons. We will continue this summer! I took lessons and completed everything except lifeguard training by middle school. My husband is well aware that he sinks like a rock. He failed swimming lessons.

Have you bought a pool pass lately? Yikes. We don’t live in a city, suburb, or “neighborhood” that has a pool. We drive 15 miles into town to the real pool or play in the little 18″ deep inflatable pool in the yard. Not much for swimming, but it will keep you cool when the temps cross 90*F.

I’d like to get the kids to the pool at least once a week. My summer work schedule is modified so I can take advantage of an extra couple of days a week with my kids. This means occasionally working from home extra hours in the evening. #worthit #workingmama

Activity #2. Both kids are doing ball this summer. Scheduled for Monday evenings in June, this will be M’s first year of t-ball (softball). Not even a remote idea if she will be able to manage the bat at her current size, but though she is small – she is mighty in spirit!

T has moved up to coach-pitch. He’s excited! Although fairly wicked hitting off the tee, his success rate hitting off our pitches is also solid. And truly – is there anything more enjoyable than a night at the ball field??? Good clean fun!

My husband is coaching again. In the past he’s been assisting. This year, the manager of the baseball organization asked if he’d be willing to lead a team. After expressing reluctance, I reassured him that this isn’t the majors. Above all else, the boys need someone calm, informative, and encouraging as they continue to learn and develop their skills.

As a family, we opted not to join any traveling teams. I have “lots of feels” about this subject pertaining to 6-7-8 year old children and the scheduling it requires. I honestly hope for the best for each unique family in their individual choices! It just isn’t the right time for our family to put our time into that.  #thebestyes

There are many other places, people, and activities on our list for the summer. I’ve posted a few highlights! We’ll likely head to the mountains for an extended weekend and load up the kids to add a little fun to a few work trips. Wheat harvest (barring anymore sub-freezing weather) will be in June. Planting, baling, and other farm work are always a must. #rurallife

Countdown –> School is out in 22 days. I’m not sure who’s more excited? My kids or me?